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Ann Seaney

Retired Missionary to Bolivia and Peru
"Not because of who I am, but because of who He is"
By Alex Gergely, Staff Writer, June 2019

Ann Seaney’s life has been defined by boldness and a reliance on God’s provision. “This sums everything up,” she says of Psalm 18:32, “the verse which has guided and helped me all these years.”

It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect. (NKJV)

From a young age, Ann knew that God would take care of her. She was saved at the age eight near her home town of Francesville, Indiana, and from then on was dedicated to living for Jesus. “I just always wanted to do what Jesus wanted me to do,” she says reflecting on that time. While Ann was receiving a degree in education from Olivet Nazarene University, God plainly asked her if should would be a missionary—and although she responded emphatically “yes,” she had trouble processing this new direction: “For many years I did not tell a single person, because I could not imagine myself doing it.”

This is what Ann calls the defining moment of her life. She could see where God was leading her, so she chose to surrender completely to His will. Ann went on to experience sanctification while at Olivet and would teach at a local Indiana school for the next ten years, eventually receiving her master’s at Purdue University. These were the first steps that God used to prepare her for a life in missions.

Only once former WGM missionary Marilyn Van Kuiken spoke at her church did Ann become connected with WGM, and in 1984, Ann was appointed as a missionary to Bolivia. She left for full full-time mission work at Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center in 1986. While there, she participated in a variety of projects and outreach programs––teaching elementary age children, training Bolivian Sunday school teachers, and eventually starting her own women’s ministry. As her career went on, Ann recalls especially enjoying her time with small group and one-on-one ministries. “As I got older,” she shares, “teaching women’s Bible studies and leading a weekly cell group brought me great joy!” In 2008––after 22 years on the field––Ann felt God calling her out of Bolivia and into a new ministry opportunity.

Ann knew that the Lord was opening doors in Cusco, Peru. She soon relocated and worked in the local church’s women’s ministries and mentoring discipleship, eventually developing the skills needed to become the country’s field treasurer. After assuming that role in Peru, she also absorbed Bolivia field treasurer responsibilities and moved back to Santa Cruz for the remaining five years of her service. During this time, Ann never stopped finding joy in community outreach projects and serving the local church.

Reflecting on her life story, Ann says, “I guess I marvel at God’s plans. I would never have dreamed this for me, but as I have lived it, I realize that God is amazing.” Ann currently resides in Marion, Indiana, staying active in her neighborhood and church, spending time with family, and volunteering twice a week in the Financial Services department at WGM Headquarters. Even in retirement, she admits, “I could not imagine not doing something!”

For Ann, the most satisfying part of her journey is knowing that the people she ministered to and the lives she invested in are in turn making a difference in the lives of others: “As I prepared to leave Bolivia and made my farewell visits to those friends and acquaintances who I had taught and worked with over the years, I was blessed to see how they are following God closely, allowing Him to direct their lives and serving Him in places of leadership. That’s an amazing thing to see. Not because of who I am, but because of who He is, what He did, and what He allowed me to be a part of.”

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